The smell of disinfectant made you cringe your nose and the pain on your knees kept worsening it.

'Be still. I can't clean the cut.'

'Then don't. I can do it myself.'

'I might have to tie you up if you don't stop fidgeting.'

You paused. 'It's just feel a little bit... weird?'

'What is weird?'

'You cleaning my wound. We never speak to each other. Actually, our paths are likely to meet. And I just..,' you don't know what to say. 'This is so awkward. I'm awkward.'

You lied. To tell the truth, your path is a step right behind him. You followed him almost every place he went, but not to the extent of being his stalker. You just have a silent crush.

You had a hard time controlling your voice so that you could speak without any shaken sound.

He didn't say anything after that but continued to inspect your knees like they're a new discovery that will make him receive Nobel price.

You had to admit you kinda liked this moment. It's like you're being noticed for the first time (even if the two of you are classmates since freshman year.)

'Done,' He said after the last bandage was put on you. You wished your abrasions are deeper than this. You didn't care if you'll have a difficulty walking for a few days.

'Thank you.'

'Alright,' he bended down with his back facing you. 'Hop up.'

You were flabbergasted. Helping you with your wound was one thing, but to piggybacked you? This must be a dream!

'Hurry up!'

'Oh, you don't have to.'

'Just stop talking and climb on my back. I made you tripped. I have to take a responsibility.'

Oh..

Of course it's his duty. He's a kind person and he will help anyone like this.

Don't keep your hope up. This is good enough—you thought.

-

Now you were on his back, walking towards your home. The two of you drenched in silence.

'Hey,' he suddenly spoke.

'Hey?'

'Sorry again that I made you injured.'

'That's okay. I'm used to it. I'm pretty clumsy myself.'

'And I have to sorry for another thing.'

'There's another thing?'

'Yes.'

'...'

'It's that I can't find any other way to start a conversation to you. I know I look like an easy-going and confident guy, but that's not an option when I see you..'

You listened, your heart started to beat faster.

'..I see that you usually trip over something every once in a while. So this time I chose it for you to tripped over me.'

'And?' You think he wanted you to respond in some way, so you asked.

'After I send you home today, will you go out with me?' 

His face looked so much like a little puppy begging for food.

You forgot how to speak in a while, you just nod—vigorously.

When you could gather your sense, you shouted, 'I thought it was just a one-sided all along!'

You thanked your clumsiness, along with sore joints.